Local Councillors and representatives from the tourism industry have come together to support a new, ambitious marketing campaign, set to put Renfrewshire on the map as a top destination for both locals and regional visitors.
The two-year Discover Renfrewshire campaign will promote the area’s rich culture, attractions and experiences, building on more than a decade of growth and investment in the area.
Councillors committed £480,000 as part of the budget for the next two years to fund the campaign along with enhanced support for the Council’s popular major events programme.
Leader of Renfrewshire Council, Councillor Iain Nicolson said:
Discover Renfrewshire marks an exciting next chapter for the area.
We’ve listened to our industry and community partners, who have told us they want a collaborative Renfrewshire-wide approach that brings together the strengths of all our towns and villages under one shared story everyone can tell.
By working closely together, we’re creating a campaign also owned by our local industry and partners – promoting and supporting all the great attractions, experiences and events on our own doorstep to our communities as well as help attract more visitors to the area.
Renfrewshire Council has invested more than £100million in its cultural venues, including the new Paisley Museum due to open later this year, as well as extend funding for the council’s popular events programme to 2028.
Councillor Nicolson added:
Despite the difficult financial climate, we have remained committed to investment in our area’s culture and events and understand the value connecting people through shared experiences can bring. Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids during the summer holidays or looking for a great day out a bit further from home, Renfrewshire is a great place to live and to visit and has so much to offer.
Professor Sandro Carnicelli from the University of the West of Scotland and Chair of Renfrewshire Tourism Leadership Group, said:
Discover Renfrewshire is a really positive step for the area and for everyone working in the visitor economy.
Bringing together the full Renfrewshire offer under one campaign gives us a much stronger platform to engage residents, attract visitors, showcase what we have here and encourage people to stay longer and explore more.
Lynne Cooper, Regional Director at VisitScotland, said:
Discover Renfrewshire is a bold, collaborative move, that will bring the area’s wonderfully rich history and culture to life for visitors.
The marketing campaign aligns well with our own work with partners in the region, supporting local businesses to strengthen their offering for tour operators to help reach new markets, alongside promoting key developments such as the reopening of Paisley Museum.
All of this will strengthen Renfrewshire’s reputation and profile as a visitor destination and help grow the value of the visitor economy in the region.
Over the summer, the Council will carry out further engagement with the local tourism industry through the Renfrewshire Tourism Network to further develop the campaign and continue building a shared narrative across the sector.
The Renfrewshire Tourism Network has been established to bring Renfrewshire Tourism businesses and organisations together to connect, share best practice and provide opportunities for events, training, knowledge sharing and advice. Businesses and organisations can find out more and join the free network by emailing Damon Scott damon.scott@renfrewshire.gov.uk or calling 0141 487 4714.